Downtown Kent getting major renovation, $80 million to be spent

KENT, Ohio - A huge construction project is begining to take shape in downtown Kent.

Eighty million dollars is being spent on the project that includes a new hotel and conference center, restaurants, and a new bus depot that includes a public parking garage.

There are two anchor tenants. The Davey Tree Resource Group and the Ametek Electromechanical Group will be setting up office space.

"Securing these two businesses (was) key in making this construction project work" said Dave Ruller, Kent's city manager.

Other tenants expected to lease space when the project is completed are Aladdins, Bricco, Shop 42, Panini's and Dino Palmieri's Salon.

Aproximately 500 new jobs will be created when the project is completed in 2012.